Tips for First Snow Drive

[Cranbery]

Hey all, I see many of you live in snowy areas - I've never seen snow let alone driven in it.

I'm familiar with the general concepts, but any tips for a first time snow driver? Anything Tremor specific to turn on as far as features besides 4x4?

I'm going to be careful since I've never driven in snow, but I am somewhat nervous about it not going to lie. I figure the first day driving back will be mostly snowy states.

Lay some of that veteran snow wisdom on this noobie!

 

[Jstonk]

I usually take a set of new tires to an empty parking lot to drive around and feel where the grip and handling will be.
Never rely on 4x4, in fact keep it off on the highway. The 2 extra wheels pulling up front not only limit your traction but limit stopping distance.
Practice throwing the transmission into neutral for stopping in quick circumstances. Removing the drive will dramatically help on slippery surfaces. And of course always keep your distance as stopping times triple and quadruple in slippery conditions.
When changing lanes on the highway take longer and remove the gas going over the snowly and often icy areas between lanes.

 

[Jstonk]

A side note, we actually have seperate driving schools during winter exclusively for winter driving.

 

[Pierless]

Majority of the time it's not too bad driving in the snow. Maybe ignore the urge to be the leader of the pack on the highway if that's your cup of tea.

Jstonk hit on the main pieces, just try to leave extra distance between you and the car ahead. Brake earlier/slower. (I've never done the neutral piece before)

Tbh, I live in NE Ohio and people still don't know how to drive in it . I've found in my experience that the accidents are really from those who drive as if it's sunny and 70 out.

 

[Pierless]

I also have no idea how Iowa maintains their roads but unless it's a surprise, nasty storm, highways are usually in pretty good shape but I'll leave it to any local folks for confirmation there.

 

[Troy]

The pop it into neutral trick is a good one. Mostly I used to do that to avoid fish tailing. I wonder with traction control as good as it is these days if it matters anymore. So spoiled with AWD cars with traction control these days, I just stop on the gas and the break and the car takes care of it.

I've heard 4wd can't be weird at highway speeds in the snow if you stop gassing it as the engine may start to slow you down on all wheels and you can lose traction. No experience though. Anyone weigh in on that?

My advice, generally bad to lock up the brakes or spin wheels, especially if turning. Watch for bridges they are usually icier as there is no ground under them and they are colder. Slow down more than normal for turns and don't gas it as soon as you normally do. Watch out for downhills where you need to stop...gravity and ice is a bitch. Sometimes I like to ease into the brake on safe sections and test my traction. Gives you a good feel for things when your not sure.

 

[Jstonk]

Highway driving I forgot to mention, don't use cruise control at all.

Bridge decks ice over and keeping a steady speed is key, no lane changes or sudden movements.

I'm regards to the neutral, I found even with all the TCS it still help. All TCS does is keep you straight.

 

[Cranbery]

Thanks for all the info guys. Referent the road prep I've heard since IA gets snow regularly they have good road prep.

So essentially it's similar to driving in heavy rain down here in Miami - keep distance, drive slower, don't gas hard, don't lock the brakes.

Be aware of bridges and downhill.

 

[AZTremor22]

Just like flying an airplane - You don’t have to get there! If the weather is bad (you can’t see or the pavement is slippery) find a hotel, grap a six pack, and chill.
I’ll hopefully be in Iowa picking up my Tremor in Feb. Grew up in Minnesota and now live in Arizona.

 

[WrongRecRoom]

When I was learning to drive in the winter my dad told me to drive like I had a hot coffee filled to the brim between my legs. IE no sudden stops, turns or acceleration. As mentioned above the most likely situation in a truck to loose control is changing lanes that have not been plowed but have seen lots of traffic. It creates a dense slush or packed snow between lanes that will create a loss of traction when crossing. If you’re a good driver you’ll be fine, pay attention, take your time.

I currently have the general grabbers on my Tacoma and they’re great in the snow, they’re actually winter rated. The stop well and handle slush very well.

 

[JimmyJam]

Cranbery I grew up in the Midwest and have been driving in snow & ice with a pickup for 20+ years. Just recently was in the Iowa area driving with the Tremor. I keep it in 2h & tried 4A and felt very confident. They used gravel/sand on the roads where I was (Dubuque IA). One thing to keep in mind with pickups is the ass-end is light so you may feel it slide a bit if on a curve with snow on the road. Take your time and you’ll be fine. And absolutely don’t use the cruise control in the snow.

 

[Dshprints]

Don’t lock the brake. If the back starts slipping and going sideways, turn the steering wheel in the direction that back of the car is going and it should level it out. Most of the time the first reaction is to do the opposite which will get you sideways even more.

 

[sean80]

Your truck will easily drive through any snow it faces, it's the braking that will take some getting used to. Leave lots of stopping room.

 

[Steve5472]

Also if you've never experienced ABS braking before (you quite possibly have so I'm not trying to be condescending at all) it is a bit counterintuitive and can take a bit of getting used to. Keep your foot firm on the brake and you will feel/here the vibrations as your brakes pulse. This lets you maintain the ability to steer while you are braking. This happens quite frequently in slippery conditions.

 

[Djdj1000]

The stock Tremor in "Slippery" mode will handle ice and snow very, very well and just got a lot of real world testing through a couple of weeks of epic snowfall in Colorado. As others have mentioned, driving technique is critical but the truck is setup well from the factory to handle it.

 

[KCDave]

The best advice I ever received is that 4x4 only helps starting off, not stopping. Take your time, leave distance and enjoy the new ride. I learned the most about driving in snow, playing in snow when I was younger. Large parking lot, starts, stops slides and then corrections. The smile while doing donuts and such was just an added benefit.

You can drive a line then simulate like you were turning on a road. You can then see how slow you need to go in order to navigate the turn. Real important on some of the on/off ramps. You probably don't want to try the muddin ability of your new Tremor yet.

Never go below 1/2 tank. Throw in some added drinking water, protein snacks or something to munch. The interstate could shutdown from an accident.

Since you have no experience in winter driving, if they are forecasting ice (freezing rain), or a major snow event, find a hotel with an indoor pool and spend an extra day. Let the crews get out and treat the streets and then start your journey fresh the next day.

Hopefully nothing more than cold temps

 

[Steve5472]

Two things make me nervous when I'm driving at highway speeds in the snow:

1. Crossing over from one lane to another when you have to jump tracks
2. Rounding a corner on any incline

I always tense up a bit during those times! But take it slow like has been suggested above and you'll do fine!

 

[Jstonk]

The best advice I ever received is that 4x4 only helps starting off, not stopping. Take your time, leave distance and enjoy the new ride. I learned the most about driving in snow, playing in snow when I was younger. Large parking lot, starts, stops slides and then corrections. The smile while doing donuts and such was just an added benefit.

You can drive a line then simulate like you were turning on a road. You can then see how slow you need to go in order to navigate the turn. Real important on some of the on/off ramps. You probably don't want to try the muddin ability of your new Tremor yet.

Never go below 1/2 tank. Throw in some added drinking water, protein snacks or something to munch. The interstate could shutdown from an accident.

Since you have no experience in winter driving, if they are forecasting ice (freezing rain), or a major snow event, find a hotel with an indoor pool and spend an extra day. Let the crews get out and treat the streets and then start your journey fresh the next day.

Hopefully nothing more than cold temps

Getting stopped crossing the rockies that's a great suggestion. Always have extra clothes and food in case. I've spent 6 hours stopped due to avalanche clearing.
Travelling to the mountains now I keep my extra tracks, shovel and survival box, along with all my regular gear like tow ropes and coveralls etc.

 

[Cranbery]

A lot of great info from everyone. Much appreciated.

I also didn't get an engine block heater since I'd never use it here, should I be worried about cold starts or not being able to start in very cold? Sorry if dumb questions, I've never been below maybe 30 degrees.

 

[Jstonk]

A lot of great info from everyone. Much appreciated.

I also didn't get an engine block heater since I'd never use it here, should I be worried about cold starts or not being able to start in very cold? Sorry if dumb questions, I've never been below maybe 30 degrees.

I wouldn't worry if it's only a few times. You have a new battery and fresh coolant.